PS 3503 
.U564 
M6 
1921 
Copy 1 



p_iitt— Kii^im—mi nil — -iw— im— mi— m— mi— -iw— w— mi_iui-_. 

! T^e 

3 

! WorWs Desire 



\ A Book of Poems 

I 

I * 

I Annie Crosby Bunker 





Class Ei5i205 
GopghtlJ". l^ZJ 

Cl2EmiGHT OEPOSm 



THE WORLD'S DESIRE 

A Book of Poems 



BY 

ANNIE CROSBY BUNKER 

Author of 

"the spirit of today'' 
"crowning an ideal/' etc. 




boston 

The Four Seas Company 

1921 



Copyright, 1Q21, by 

THE FOUR SEAS COMPANY 



NOTE: The poem "My Boy" is reprinted by permis- 
sion from the author's volume, "Crowning an Ideal," 
Copyright, 1920, by The Christopher Publishing House. 



W 18 19? I 



The Four Seas Press 
Boston, Mass., U. S. A. 



©CIA630787 

M^ i/i I 



CONTENTS 



Page 

Dedication 9 

The Vision 10 

War 12 

They Shall Not Pass 14 

Belgium 16 

England 17 

France 18 

America 19 

The Triumph of Right 20 

The Call 26 

Our Flag 2.y 

Independence Day 28 

Our Answer 29 

Love at Parting 30 

The Maiden 31 

The Soldier 33 

Youth 34 

The News 35 

Our Captain 36 

In France 37 

My Boy 39 

Men of Massachusetts 40 

A Woman's Question 42 



CONTENTS 

Page 

Woman in War Time 43 

Columbus Day 45 

Our Dead 47 

The Crisis 48 

Victory 50 

Armistice Day 51 

His Letter 52 

Sacrifice 54 

The Mourning Mother 56 

King Albert 58 

War's Aftermath 59 

Truth 60 

Forewarned . 61 

Atoms 62 

The Pilgrim Story 63 

The Pilgrim Spirit 66 

The World's Desire 68 

Envoy 72 

OCCASIONAL POEMS 

My Garden 75 

The Mocking Bird 77 

To Marie 79 

{Lines written for a schoolgirl's album) 

Mount Desert Island 80 

Summer Storm 82 



THE WORLD'S DESIRE 



DEDICATION 

The world and all its woes lie heavy on my 

heart, — 
I needs must aid to tear the tangled web apart. 
The thoughts of day do shape themselves in 

words at night, 
Then vanish and recur again when breaks the 

light. 
Insistent , ever hammering do they still pursue, 
And so, perforce, O World, I give them here to you. 



[9] 



THE VISION » 

The century was drawing to a close. 

The seer, who in his youth had voiced its hopes, 

Had seen the vision of a glorious world 

Bound by the ties of universal law. 

Now waited for the call to cross the bar. 

Wars had he seen since first he prophesied, 
But none had yet fulfilled his wondrous dream. 
Potential forces of the earth and air, 
Harnessed to powers unknown and now alive, 
In triumph rushed the world in onward race. 



(< 



Forward" the cry through all these years of 
change. 
And yet to what? Was the world better now? 
Did justice reign? His voice had been but one — 
And now earth's millions called for saner ways 
That all the world have chance to live in peace. 

In that was hope. Yet fears assailed him oft 
As unjust wars met national response 
For land to seize or gain of paltry pelf. 
Yet always some to nobler purpose clung 
And held before the world the vital truths. 

As earth's mists disappeared, vanished his fears — 
For luminous above the distant shore, 
A flaming angel stood with torch uplift 
To where, in glorious light, he saw revealed 
The vision he had followed long and far. 

[10] 



With clashing sword Right struck the last, just 

blow 
As Wrong in selfish madness hurled himself 
Against th'eternal verities of life — 
And met his doom. With wide-encircling arms 
Peace held the earth in blessed brotherhood. 



[11] 



WAR 

Grim visaged War now stalks abroad 

Gigantic, terrible. 
Hideous his face with lurid hate, 

And swift his feet. 
With mailed fist he strikes, 

And the earth trembles. 

Here lies a beauteous vale, 

And there a fruited plain. 
The peasants at their work sing cheerily, 

The children in the sunshine play. 
The earth her treasure yields. 

And all is peace. 

But hark! a horrid, rushing sound 

Borne on the wind. 
Nearer it comes and clearer, — 

Hoarse shouts and clash of arms. 
Useless thy plowshares, O people. 

Naught but swords will avail thee. 

Where is the once pleasant hamlet? 

Only ashes and smoke mark its place. 
Its people lie dead in the fields 

Or fleeing, the mother in terror 
Holds her babe to her breast, 

As War spreads destruction and death. 

[12] 



Rapine and Famine attend him 

Closing in on their prey. 
The voice from the altar he heeds not 

As crumbles the work of the ages. 
Strident his shouting and laughter — 

God in his Heaven he defies. 

Turn, O ye people and face him 

With purpose both fearless and strong. 

Cease all thy passions and hatreds, 
Join thy hands and thy hearts to the end. 

Strike, and crush him forever! 
Then let the world live. 

1914 



[13] 



THEY SHALL NOT PASS 



"They shall not pass", so Caesar spake 

And hurled the barbarous hordes back o'er the 

Rhine. 
But later Caesars failed the barrier to hold — 
Swarmed in the Teutons, and Rome's sway was 

o'er. 

II 

Yet once again, delimited by the Rhine, 

They sought to pass, and on the neck of Prance 

Placed cruel heel. So, crushed to earth. 

She yielded fair Lorraine to German rule. 

Ill 

Now years of preparation past, 
The Day arrives for thrust of Teuton force. 
They seek new pathway to the boundless seas. 
Their world dominion to establish sure. 

No word of honor sacred held. 

No treaties but as "scraps of paper" rent, 

No care for human life or right. 

No thought but to attain mad, selfish ends. 

The world in horror hears of frightful deeds, 

The devastation of fair fields and homes, 

Of churches desecrated and destroyed — 

And in the balance hangs the future of the world. 

[14] 



IV 

But hark! borne on the wind the ancient cry — 
"They shall not pass!" — and from the soil of 

France 
Springs forth an armed band, resistless, brave, 
To hold the Marne against onrushing hordes. 

O hero band — led by great Joffre and Foch — 
We know how well ye fought and died; 
What mighty deeds of valor and of sacrifice, — 
The price ye paid. They did not pass. 



The tide has turned. Yet dream not this the end ; 
Rest not supine but rally to the call, 
Gird on the armor of endurance strong. 
And ever let the watchword be — The Marne. 

1914 



[15] 



BELGIUM 

Though small thy country, mighty is thy fame! 
Flashed round the earth the news thy hand had 

stayed 
The mad, barbaric rush of tyi^ant's troops 
To overwhelm free peoples unprepared. 
Thy brave, devoted stand failed to avert 
The threatened doom to thee, but saved the world. 
On thee the Hun wreaked vengeance dire, with 

rage 
And savage hate unequalled through all time. 
Belgium, Albert — ne'er can the world forget. 
And when the cruel spoiler, lustful, vile. 
Is hurled from off the soil his iron heel 
Has crushed, then rise and still endure until 
Regenerated, recreated, through 
Triumphant, universal, grateful love. 



[16] 



ENGLAND 

England, our hearts return to thee once more. 
Forgotten are the grievances we felt, 
The wars we waged with thee to gain our rights, — 
The rights of Englishmen freeborn, and claimed 
Under that charter great which men of old 
By force compelled a tyrant king to grant. 
Forgotten world-embracing conquest past 
Thy power to enhance and riches gain. 
Remembered henceforth be thy voice that spoke 
Instant in trumpet tones to all the world : 
"The world wants no more wars, but come they 

must 
If might strikes right. England will heed the call." 
Again we knew our mother land our own — 
The same in thought and hopes, in aims and deeds. 



[17] 



FRANCE 

Sister Republic, thy kinship we claim. 
Enshrined in grateful hearts thy name has lived; 
And Lafayette's, whose star-like soul shed light 
O'er gloom of wintry days at Valley Forge. 
Our foster-brother he, whose purpose strong 
The cause of Freedom served in France and here, 
Joining two nations great to nobly stand 
Upholding Liberty before the world. 
In hour of desperate need the voice we loved 
Rings out for succor 'gainst fair Freedom's foe. 
Can we resist the call or long delay? 
Our glorious youth, his deed to emulate, 
Speed o'er the sea and stand his tomb beside 
With glad acclaim, — '*We come to strike for 
France." 



[18] 



AMERICA 

A light shone on the pathway of the world ! 
From out the West the torch of Liberty, 
Held high to Heaven, a message gave of joy 
And hope to all oppressed. Thrones shook and fell. 
Some rose again — but a new age had dawned. 
Yet shadows dark thy own fair land did shroud 
Till blood and sacrifice the shackles broke 
And Freedom reigned supreme from sea to sea. 
With high resolve and naught for self to gain, 
Thou hast once more the glorious part essayed. 
Responsive to the cry of anguished need. 
Pledging themselves to justice and to peace, 
Thy sons their lives have nobly sacrificed 
To blaze the path of Fi^eedom o'er the world. 

1918 



[19] 



THE TRIUMPH OF RIGHT 



Dark looms the past, 
Fraught with the hate, 

Envy, and lust 

Of people and state. 

Down through the ages 
Swept the same song — 

"Bow to the mighty, 
Bend to the strong." 

Strong was the warrior. 

Mighty the king; 
Craftsman and peasant 

Worth not a thing. 

Might was ne'er right, 
Strength was ne'er just. 

See subject and rival 
Crushed in the dust. 

Not e'en the words of Christ, 
"Peace and good- will" 

Brought to the world release 
From deeds of ill. 

Bound by an iron creed 
In church and state, 

Man dared not reason. 
Yielded to fate. 
[20] 



II 

Sudden, the mind of man, 
Searching for truth, 

Threw off the age-bonds, 
Rejoicing in youth. 

Freed from his fetters, 
Burst into song — 

Proclaiming the right, 
Denouncing the wrong. 

Long crushed to earth 

Hope rose again. 
Cheering the soul of man 

Through strife and pain. 

Right fought with might 
Through many a year. 

Freeing the suff' ring world 
From thraldom of fear. 

In many a country 

Kings were o'erthrown. 
Man became free, claiming 

Power as his own. 

Man proclaimed openly 
Three sacred rights 

Inherent in all men — 
God-given rights. 
[21] 



Power to rule himself, 
That was his Liberty. 

Same chance in life for all 
Called he Equality. 

Dreamed of a future day 
When world-wide Fraternity 

Would make complete 
This glorious trinity. 

Cheered by such hopes, 

Man did not cease 
To strive that the world 

Might live in peace. 



Ill 

Bright was the outlook 
For man's future here. 

Save that the fatal past 
Held some in fear. 

Rulers there were yet 

In many a place, 
Despotic and cruel, — 

"Kings by God's grace." 

Subjects rebelled, 
Seeking their right. 

Only to find themselves 
Conquered by might; 
[22] 



Turned to the New World 
With its beck'ning hght 

Of freedom and justice, 
Education and right. 

Found there a chance 
To work and live 

In the comfort and peace 
Democracy can give. 

Dawned on the world 
A vision of light, — 

The end of all wars — 
No longer to fight. 

Curse of the ages, — 
Greed and mad strife — 

Man wished to banish 
Prom the world's life. 

IV 

Who laughed to scorn 
This noble vision. 

Shattering world hopes 
By subtle derision? 

Two potent forces, 

Strongly allied. 
Wealth and Autocracy 

Worked side by side. 
[23] 



Forced on the world a war 
That they might win 

Land, gold and power. 
God — what a sin! 

Slaves would they make 
Of nations and men. 

See that they fail. 
Fight with them then! 

V 

Plan for the future, 

No longer wait. 
Strike for humanity 

E'er 'tis too late. 

Safe for democracy 
Now the world make. 

With shouts of freedom 
All the world wake. 

Heed that thine own house 

In order be. 
Then send thy millions brave 

Over the sea. 

Crush there forever 

Uncontrolled might, 
Shrouding the earth now 

In darkest night. 
[24] 



Then give to all men — 
All women too — 
Power and privilege 
Now held by few. 

Let opportunity 

Knock at the door 
Of all races and classes, 

Of rich and of poor. 

Stretch forth thy hand 
Seeking thy brother. 

Heed well thy God's command- 
Love one another. 

Let not wrong triumph, 

Yield not nor bend. 
Make right victorious, 

Fight to the end. 

On with the war! 
Ring out the call: 
**Peace to the world, 
Justice for all." 

May, 1918. 



[25] 



THE CALL 

Go forth, go forth across the sea 

To fight for peace and hberty. 
No more, no more may tyrant hand 

Wreck altar, hearth, and home and land. 

Be brave, be brave, ye sons of ours 

Who struggle 'gainst mad, warring powers. 

Be firm, be firm, all ye who fight, 
And crush forever threat'ning might. 

Let not, let not one nation be 

Deprived of land and liberty. 
And then, yes, then, the war shall cease, 

And suff'ring people find release. 

Come back, come back, brave men and feel 
Thou hast preserved thy country's weal. 

No more, no more let war's alarms 
Call the whole world again to arms. 



[26] 



OUR FLAG 

Our glorious flag now floats in France 

And on the Italian plain; 
In England's vales it is unfurled, 
And on the stormy main. 
Proudly it waves, 
Flag of the free, 
Emblem of hope 
Borne o'er the sea. 

Our stars and stripes proclaim abroad 

The grand, inspiring story 
Of strife for liberty and law 
Beneath our flag — Old Glory. 
Firmly it stands, 
Flag of the right, 
Borne by our sons 
'Gainst ruthless might. 

Our purpose shines in every stripe. 

Our freedom in each star; 
The blue embraces in pure peace 
The world from near to far. 
Long may it float, 
Flag of the brave, 
Borne into battle 
Mankind to save. 

June 14, 1918 

[27] 



1776— INDEPENDENCE DAY— 1918 

O glorious day that gave us birth, 

New nation in the West, 
We hail thee now when all the earth 

Stands for the final test. 

What we in struggle then attained, — 

Freedom and peace and law, — 
Now would the demon of War unchained 

Crush in his bloody maw. 

As we of old our mother fought 

To gain a freeman's right. 
May now all nations join in thought, 

And end the reign of might. 

Then came forth a democracy, 

A guide for all the world. 
Now let the last autocracy 

To lowest depths be hurled. i 

On that glad day a ringing bell 

Proclaimed the news abroad. 
Soon may triumphant voices tell 

That Liberty is lord. 

July 4, 1918 



[28] 



OUR ANSWER 

Now once and once again, brave heart, 

The poppies blow. 
And we on earth to do our part 

The torch do hold aloft. 

Yet many a time and oft 

Would courage falter but for glow 

Of blood red here below. 

Then on we press with solemn vow 

Thy purpose to fulfill. 
Cheered by the lark's song clear and shrill, 

We watch his winged flight 

To Heaven bright. 

And wonder if you there may know 

The message that he brings. 

The poppies' gleam has passed now, 
The leaves are scattered wide. 
The foe begins to yield — 

And we will fight and never pause 

Until triumphant is the cause 
For which you bravely died 
In Flanders field. 

September, 1918 



[29] 



LOVE AT PARTING 

One bright, brief hour of happiness life gave 
As tears at sudden parting sprung to shower 
And love, awakened, blossomed into flower. 
Eyes gazed in clinging ecstacy to crave 
The fragrant kiss from dewy lips, to save 
In memory of this precious, blissful hour 
When, heart to heart, our fond embrace had power 
To roll upon our souls oblivion's wave. 
Alas, too soon these rapturous moments fled. 
Not all of life was ours in love to spend: 
The voice of duty called, the parting sped, 
With quivering breath we knew it was the end. 
Yet naught in Heaven or earth can e'er efface 
The thrilling sweetness of that gift of grace. 



[30] 



THE MAIDEN 

Beloved, the days are so dreary 
And my heart brooks not to wait, 

Love hes in my breast aweary, 
Not joyous as of late. 

I walk through the streets of the city, 

See maidens and lovers bright; 
My heart overflov/s with pity — 

They, too, must soon know War's blight. 

The birds in their nest are cooing. 

For spring is the time to mate, 
But my lover comes not wooing — 

O bitter decree of fate. 

In the fields the daisies do bloom 

As they did when we pulled them that day. 
But the world is for me all gloom — 

Though "he loves me" — he fights far away. 

I wander along by the river 

Where kisses were rained on my brow; 
The rushes do rustle and shiver, 

As echo revoices thy vow. 

I sit alone neath the pine tree 

Where I vowed my love before 
You parted in anguish from me — 

O, I love thee more and more! 

[31] 



May God in his mercy guard thee 
And bring thee safely through, 

Else life would desolate be^ — 
I want naught but love and you. 



[32] 



THE SOLDIER 

Beloved, thy dear sweet face 
Feels every throb of my heart. 

I kiss it with fervent devotion 
To strengthen me for my part. 

The lark sings high above me 
And voices thy promise true. 

As upward I watch his flight 
I gaze in thine eyes so blue. 

The light of the autumn moon 

Shows the gleaming gold of thy hair. 

No vision in earth or Heaven 
Could ever be more fair. 

O sweetheart, thy love is so wondrous 

I fear it must be a dream, 
But a glance at my cherished treasure 

Shows clear the loving beam. 

Dear one, may the good God shield thee 
And bring me back to you soon. 

May we meet by the winding river 
In the silvery light of the moon. 

Oh, then shall my arms enfold thee 
And my lips shall press thy dear face. 

May Life all its blessings shower 

With full measure of heavenly grace. 
[33] 



YOUTH 

• 
We stood upon the threshold of the world: 
Life beckoned with alluring smiles — 
This way the quest of knowledge, there of wealth, 
Here fame and honor, there the joys of home. 

We paused to make our choice, i 

To reckon with our passions and our hopes— ' 

Stretched forth our arms in youthful ecstasy . 

To grasp full measure of life's gifts. I 

The clarion call of war with rude alarm 
Broke on our ear, shattering our dreams. 
One longing, lingering gaze, — and then we turned, 
Closing the door of hope with resolute hand. 

Toward the path of duty and of sacrifice 
We set our faces stern and strong, 
Upheld the standard of our high ideals 
And followed where life led the way. 



[34] 



THE NEWS 

So mother, that's the paper, 
Well, read the news to me. 

I want to hear about our boys 
In France across the sea. 

I love not war and fighting, 
But when our country calls. 

We needs must answer bravely. 
Whoever stands or falls. 

I fought the negro slave to free, 
And save my own dear land. 

Our son his life for freedom gave 
By Cuba's sultry strand. 

And now his boys the burden bear 

Upon a distant shore. 
God grant they may come back to us 

And wars cease evermore. 

What's that you say about our John? 

He's won the Croix de Guerre? 
I could not ask for better news — 

But why that silent stare ? 

Your hands are shaking, mother; 

Your face the truth doth tell. 
He's gone to meet his father. 

God rules — and all is well. 

[35] 



OUR CAPTAIN 

Our Captain, 

Kindly, brave, true. 
Cared not for glory, 
Held honor highest. 

Our Captain, 

Leader of men, 
Trained to obey, 
Strong to command. 

Our Captain, 

Patriot, friend. 
Doing his duty 
For God and the world. 

Our Captain, 

Dead in the battle. 
Where his life counted. 
Weep not for him. 

Our Captain, 

Soul of him dead? 
Not to his men — 
That liveth on. 



[36] 



IN FRANCE 

September sun went down 
O'er fields of carnage. 

The glory of the sunset 
Pell on the dead. 

Faces of agony, 
Lit by the radiance, 

Seemed almost alive. 

Far in the distance 

Faintly were seen — 
By gleaming helmets — 

The line of the army 
Foll'wing close on the foe, 

Neither pausing nor resting- 
'Til called by death. 

After the twilight 

Rose the wind gently. 

Kissing pale faces 
With benediction; 

Brought to their ears — 
Tho' dead they must hear- 

Sounds of fierce fighting. 

Light of the harvest moon. 

Slowly effulgent, 
Cast its pale glory — 

Not on ripe fields, 

[37] 



Orchards and vineyards — 

On heroes dead 
But hving forever. 

Saw too the hosts 

Of evil and hate 
Shrink from the onslaught, 

Knowing their doom. 
Then came the silence, 
Enveloping all — 
The living, the dead. 



[38] 



I 



MY BOY 

Beneath a little cross my brave boy rests, 

A soldier who for glory or renown 

Cared not at all. He fought to save the world. 

His love of country so surpassing strong 

That, heedless of his own life-long desires, 

He went at her command and murmured not 

That she, in granting honors, passed him by. 

His was the larger vision of the age ; 

And not alone his country stirred his soul 

But cries of helpless babes and outraged maids, 

Of people groaning under tyrants' yokes 

Reached him across the seas and bade him go 

To their defense. Humanity spoke loud 

And clear to him and he replied with life. 

What mattered his or many lives if thus 
The world were saved? He fought that people yet 
Unborn might live secure in peace. What love 
Is greater than the love that asketh naught 
For self, but giveth all? And so he died. 
And in the distant years his name shall be 
Enshrined with those whom all the world reveres 
As men who died for freedom and mankind. 



[39] 



MEN OP MASSACHUSETTS 

(After the vote in the Senate, October 2, ipj8) 

Men of Massachusetts, 
Anchor not our ship of state 
To *'the Past with crooked pin". 
Set her sails — ere 'tis too late — 
Toward the Present, where within 
Lies the Future of mankind. 

Where stood Massachusetts 
When this land for freedom fought? 
Did she heed the cry of Tory? 
Did she follow those who sought 
To deprive her of the glory 
Of a leader in the cause? 



Grand old Massachusetts 
Nobly led the way to war 
'Gainst injustice and oppressions; 
Sacrificed for right and law 
Cherished homes and all possessions,- 
Fired the shot that called to arms. 



Men of Massachusetts 
Who the poor slaves sought to free, 
Did you feel that she had faltered 
In the cause of Liberty 
When she saw men seized and haltered, 
And raised not a saving hand? 
[40] 



I 
I 



Grand old Massachusetts, 
When at last her soul saw light, 
Then she halted not nor wavered, 
Led the way again to fight 
With a spirit that ne'er quavered. 
And the nation was redeemed. 

Now, O Massachusetts, 
As your women serve the state, 
Aiding you in war or peace, 
Do not make them longer wait; 
Set aside old prejudice, 
Give them what is theirs by right. 

Men of Massachusetts, 
Think no longer of your power, 
Stand no longer with the few; 
Hear the message of the hour, 
Join the ranks that face the new,- 
Make a true democracy. 



[41] 



A WOMAN'S QUESTION 

O man born of woman, 

Wherein is she not worth 
A place beside you in the state 

As well as at your hearth? 

Has she not labored with you 

Through all the weary way, 
To bring light out of darkness, 

And make eternal day? 

While you have fought and bled 

Has she not done her part 
For child and home and country. 

Their welfare in her heart? 

Because her work and yours 
Have not been quite the same. 

Does that prove she is weaker 
Or worth less in life's game? 

Then why to her do you refuse 

The rights you only hold. 
Though both through strife did win them 

With sacrifice untold? 

\Yhy force her to repeat 
This age-long fight of men? 

Why not be nobly just? 
Enfranchise women then. 

1918 

[42] 



WOMAN IN WAR TIME 

We are the women of the land. 
You say we have no rights or voice 
Because, forsooth, we play small part in war. 
Stand forth against our challenge then 
And prove this true. 

While man dares "all that may become a man, 

Who dares do more" — is woman. 

Have you not heard of women brave 

Who ventured forth in dark and storm 

A life to save? 

Have not the women dared the ocean wild 

And perils of an unknown land 

A noble cause to aid? 

Have women failed in martyrdom 

When faith meant death? 

Then are they brave and daring 

When the hour calls. 

Ah, yes, you say — a daring impulse, 
But they cannot long endure. 
That too, you must retract. 
The women, who in travail and in pain 
Bring forth the sons of men, 
Have proved their strength; 
No weaklings they, no fragile toys, 
But women fit to bear 
The burden that life brings. 

[43] 



They cannot work out in the world, 

You say, to till the earth, 

To go down in its depths for wealth, 

To sail upon the mighty deep, ^ 

To do the things that make the world move on. 

Again ye know that is not so. 

As men respond to arms and leave the plow, 

Fling down the anvil for the gun, 

Who in this dire hour takes them up? 

Ah, well ye know that women fill the ranks 

And toil and still endure. 

They like not w^ar, you say. 'Tis true. 

But when upon the battle-field men fight 

To save the world, the women bravely wait 

To soothe and cheer, to nurse them back to life. 

And e'en within the danger zone they move 

When duty calls, and for their country die. 

Ah, cease, and know the world needs both, 
And one without the other cannot live. 
Both play their parts. 
Their rights should equal be ! 



[44] 



1492— COLUMBUS DAY— 1918 



O man who dreamed and dared, 

Thy honor still endure — 
When Past and Present meet, 

The Future to ensure. 
Thy vision and thy faith 

Led thee across the sea 
A glorious world to find — 

A world of Liberty. 



The kings of earth looked forth 

Upon these fertile vales, 
These mountains rich with ore. 

These wooded hills and dales. 
They sought vast treasures here 

Their power to uphold ; 
And dreamed not that the Past 

This New World could not mold. 



Across the mighty deep, 

Along the rugged bay, 
Through dark and trackless paths 

Man sternly fought his way. 
Through want and toil and strife 

He drew sweet freedom's breath, 
The Old World fetters broke 

By struggle — yea, by death. 
[45] 



The spirit of the Past, 

With ruthless, cruel power, 
The whole world plunged in woe — 

And struck its final hour. 
The spirit of Today, 

Roused by the wrongs man bore. 
Leaped back across the sea 

To crush might evermore. 

O men who do and die 

On Europe's blood-stained field. 
Where Past and Present meet 

The Future strong to shield — 
We honor thee who fight 

For Peace and Liberty, 
To make the whole world safe 

By glorious Victory. 

October 12, 1918 



[46] 



OUR DEAD 

We died that you might live. 

Let us not die in vain. 
We to the world our lives did give 

That wars come not again. 

For you we gave up all of life, — 
Fame, fortune, friends, and love. 

We entered into mortal strife 
Resting our hopes above. 

For peace and justice we have fought, 

To cover all the world. 
Until you gain what we have sought 

Let not your flags be furled. 

Then put aside all selfish aim 

As we did in our youth. 
Honor is but an empty name 

Unless sustained by truth. 

When righteous law shall rule the earth 
And cries of anguish cease. 

When comes that glorious new birth, 
Then shall we sleep in peace. 



[47] 



THE CRISIS 

"Peace without Victory"? Never! 

Stay not thy hand. 
What boots it to halt and to parley 

With murd'rous band? 

As the tiger descends on his prey, 

So fell the Hun: 
No warning, no time, no mercy, — 

Only the gun. 

No act too cruel or vile 

His hate to glut; 
Straight to the heart of his victims 

With joy he cut. 

Churches and homes in ruins 

Rejoiced he to see. 
Wreaked vengeance on innocent babes 

With fiendish glee. 

Liike serpents his ships on the ocean 
Reared fanged head; 

Hissed destruction to friend and to foe- 
Exulting then fled. 

"Victory", shrieked he in madness, 

"O'er every state." 
"Peace", he now whines in terror, 

Fearing his fate. 

[48] 



Onward marching sees he the host, 

Radiantly strong; 
Sustained by one glorious hope — 

Righting the wrong. 

Justice they seek, not vengeance. 

Stay not their feet. 
Scourge of the World, prepare thee 

Thy doom to meet. 

"Peace without Victory"? Never! 

Perish the thought. 
Peace to the world at that price 

Were too dearly bought. 

October 13, 1918 



[49] 



VICTORY 

The dawn came with expectant hush 
And solemn silence held the air. 

The guns — that four long years the world 
Had filled with terror — now were stilled. 
Could this be victory? 

With gasping breath and straining eyes 

We wait the signal from afar. 
We gaze in other's eyes and feel 

The dread that stills our pulsing hearts — 
"Peace without victoiy"? 

O comrades gone before, how oft 

We dreamed of that grand, glorious day 
When righteous and resistless arms 

Should force the foe far from these fields 
Of dreadful desolation vast, 

And following fast his fleeing feet 
Should surge his river ramparts o'er. 

And with relentless justice strike 
To drive forever from the world 

The conquering spirit of the Past. 
O, dream of Victory! 

Be still, ye dead! 'Twas not to be! 

For now the quivering silence breaks 
With cries of glad relief and joy. 

The mighty world doth rest content 
That peace is victory. 
[50] 



ARMISTICE DAY 

On wings of morn the word 

Ecstatic, glorious, 
The world awoke and heard 

Right was victorious. 

The bells the message rung, 
Rejoicing, clamorous, 

By cannon's mouth far flung 
Triumphant, thunderous. 

The streets the people throng 
Wildly obstreperous, 

Shouting the whole day long 
Madly vociferous. 

Prom hill-tops flames arise 
Resplendent, furious. 

Blazing the message Hies 
With welcome joyous. 

The midnight falls on earth, 
Wearily languorous. 

Die out the sounds of mirth 
In accents slumberous. 

The star of morn appears 
Peacefully beauteous. 

With hope for future years 
Of union righteous. 

November 11, 1918 
[51] 



HIS LETTER 

You ask me if there's mud at Brest. 
For seventeen days I've not undressed 
And hardly had a moment's rest. 
Oh, no, there is no mud at Brest. 

And have we tents to give us shelter? 
Oh, sure, but in the mud we welter 
As pours the rain in — helter skelter. 
And nothing seems to serve as shelter. 

And have we cots or beds to lie on? 
Why, yes, of corrugated iron. 
I'm sure mine weighs about a ton. 
You see I dragged it here to lie on. 

But do we have good things to eat? 
Sure! Beef like rubber is a treat; 
And coffee with molasses sweet. 
Our menu here can not be beat. 

The President landed here one day. 
We cheered each word he had to say, 
But then he had no time to stay 
And enjoy the mud along the way. 

They say next day in Paris he read 
Of the mud and beef and crusty bread. 
And frowned and stamped and boldly said, 
"I've been at Brest, and I'm not dead." 

[52] 



And Mrs. O. R. had visions too 
When she peered in tents as they led her through. 
She saw stoves and desks and all just new, 
And no mud at all came in her view. 

And who's to blame for such condition 
That we should lack decent nutrition 
And sleep in mud in upright position? 
Whoe'er they are may they go to perdition. 

But never you mind, for the fight is o'er 
And the Hun goes "on his raids no more"; 
And whatever trouble is here in store 
It's nothing compared to the horrors of war. 

Now soon we'll be speeding across the foam 
And settle down no more to roam, 
For there's nothing we long for so much as home, 
''Home, Home, Sweet Home". 



[53] 



SACRIFICE 

Blind! Gassed by the Hun. 

Left on the field for dead. 
Crawled from the charnel heap 

And felt the daylight break. 
Never to see it again, O God! 

Those days of burning agony, 
Of suffering worse than death, — 

Soothed by the light, cool hands, 
The low, sweet voice of a woman. 

Only to see her face! 

Back to the world I knew 

Of purple hills and vales, 
The gay, white way of city streets, 

The happy people saved from war. 
And I, unseeing and unseen. 

Long days to sit and strive 

That hands might be my eyes. 
And on the streets the sounds of marching feet, 

The wild, glad shouts of victory. 
And I, dead to the world. 

And yet to live. For me no wife, 

No joyous children mine, 
No future fair that I had dreamed 

When hope and youth were strong. 
Why must I live, O God? 

[54] 



If, knowing what I was and am today 
The world could rise to greater heights, 

Could punish evil and reward the good, 
And make the earth a better place. 

Then could I live content. 

Now to the cross of Christ I cling 
With struggling doubts and fears, 

Yet in the desperate hope 

That out of sacrifice good may come. 

And I at last find peace. 



[55] 



THE MOURNING MOTHER 

"The Lord gave and he taketh away", 

How oft have I heard it said 
When my loved ones passed from earth, 

And I meekly bowed my head. 

Yet rose oftimes the query 

Why some were taken and some left. 
Now prate not to me of submission. 

For I am a mother bereft. 

Some mothers have sons returning 

With all the honors of war, 
But mine comes not with the others, 

He'll kiss me in joy no more. 

You tell me to bear and be brave. 

To honor his memory true. 
But life holds no comfort for me, 

While glory and love are for you. 

How can I be calm and content 

Through nights and the weary day? 

He was all that I had in the world 

And he helped me on life's rough way. 

Why should my son die in his prime 
That the world might laugh and dance? 

That my neighbors might revel in wealth 
While he sleeps neath the sod in France? 

[56] 



Today the mystery appals me 
And I am rebellious and sad, 

But perhaps in the vast hereafter 
I may know the truth and be glad. 



[57] 



TO KING ALBERT 

On his visit to America — iQi^ 

Welcome, O Albert of Belgium! 

Honor and glory to thee, 
Who for thy land and thy people 

Faced the Hun fearlessly. 

Recked not of self or thine own. 
Thought but of freedom and right. 

Boldly answered the tyrant invader, 
Yet knowing his terrible might. 

Courageous and calm through reverses, 
Thy faith in thy cause never died, 

Upheld by the lofty devotion 

Of patriots who stood by thy side. 

Nations around shall acclaim thee. 

Eager thy deeds to tell, 
And secure in the hearts of thy people 

Thy name and thy fame shall dwell. 



[58] 



WAR'S AFTERMATH 

The dream of ages past has not come true, 
And we, who saw the vision, stand aghast. 
War has not cleared away miasmic mists 
Of evil deeds and jealous hatreds old, 
Antipathies of race or class that cloud 
The sky of perfect and fraternal peace. 

The first white blossoms of our hope do fade 
And barren seems the soil for future seed. 
The dragon's teeth take root and quickly spring 
To full-armed hordes, that madly rush 
At one another's throats and rend and tear. 
O, dim and distant are the days of peace! 

Man's elemental passions still survive. 
They dominate his aspirations high. 
Crush out the vital and dynamic truths 
That civilization has to him revealed, 
And leave him primal man without veneer. 
The fabric of our dream in ruin falls. 



[59] 



TRUTH 

The voice of Truth today is seldom heard. 
Above the world in majesty she stands 
And sees mankind yield to the dark commands 
Of treachery, deceit, and lying word, 
In grovelling hope to find success ensured 
By methods that the modem world demands. 
In sad appeal she stretches forth her hands, 
Begging that longer it be not endured. 
Return and we will worship at thy shrine. 
Will hold to all that's true and strong and fine, 
Will rend the chains that hold us in vile snare 
And all the evil fens of life lay bare. 
Then forward, upward, following in thy train, 
May we a just and peaceful age attain. 



[60] 



FOREWARNED 

Strong heart, 
Faith and courage preserve, — 
You will need them today. 

Weak souls, 
Think not idly to drift, — 
Hidden rocks bar the way. 

Ye thinkers, 
Clear vision and truth 
Must balance the thought. 

Ye idlers, 
Who live but for pleasure, — 
Not all can be bought. 

Ye workers, 
Who struggle and toil, — 
Life must not be drear. 

Ye vampires, 
Who suck the world's blood,- 
The vengeance is near. 

Strong heart, 
There is danger ahead. 
Canst endure to the end? 



[61] 



ATOMS 

A satyr stood on the globe and laughed 
As it merrily whirled through space; 
*'Ha, ha, old World, I never have quaffed 
A finer drink with a better grace. 
Swing east, swing west and gather them in 
By the light of the harvest moon. 
Alack-a-day, it might have been! 
But keep the spheres in tune." 



[62] 



THE PILGRIM STORY 

Kings and lords of Merrie England 
Thought the state should rule the church, 
And the king should govern both. 

But some people good and true 

Thought each man should have his own creed, 

And in this be independent. 

Then the king in wrath demanded 

That they yield to him or he 

Would them harrie from the kingdom. 

So they took their goods and chattels 
And in secret crossed the channel 
Finding refuge in brave Holland. 

Here they lived and worshipped freely, 
But they liked not that their children 
Should grow up as Dutch, not English. 

So once more they started seaward, 
Sailed away from English Plymouth 
In the good ship called the Mayflower. 

Then they came across the ocean, — 
Long and parlous was the voyage 
To the longed-for, unknown land. 

Reached at last in cold November, 
Landed on the shore called Plymouth, 
On the coast of Massachusetts. 

[63] 



In the cabin of the Mayflower 
Signed a compact for their rule, 
Giving freemen equal justice. 

Each should worship by his conscience, 
Each should vote and own some land — 
This to give all satisfaction. 

William Bradford, able governor, 
Brewster, Elder of the church, 
Standish, brave and sturdy captain, 

Winslow, keen and learned in law. 
These and other noble leaders 
Held the colony together. 

Cold and bleak was that sad winter. 
Death and famine took full toll 
And their faith was sorely tried. 

But the spring came with fine weather. 
Flowers blooming in the woods — 
And their courage was revived. 

Indians came to give them welcome. 
Showed them how to plant the maize — 
So they settled down to labor. 

Forth to England sailed the Mayflower, 
Came back food and settlers too — 
Then they held Thanksgiving Day. 

[64] 



Troubles, dangers oft beset them, 
Crops not always yielded full, 
Indians were not always friends. 

Yet they struggled on in patience, 
Paid their debts and owned their land- 
Then at last were independent. 

Pilgrim fathers, Pilgrim mothers, 
All the burdens bravely bore 
For the future generations. 

In the wilderness they planted 
Seeds of faith and liberty. 
That soon grew into a nation. 

And that nation by God's blessing 
Grew in wealth and population ; 
Prospered ever more and more. 

So today we offer homage 
To that little band of Pilgrims 
Who its firm foundations laid. 



[65] 



THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 

Across the centuries thy spirit speaks 
A message and a warning we must heed. 
To all the noble aims thy souls inspired 
It bids us still be true in word and deed : 

"A priceless treasure ye have guarded well 
The freedom that we sought in church and state, 
But let not anarchy red-handed dwell 
And scatter seeds of vile distrust and hate. 
For liberty would then to license turn 
Unless restrained by just and righteous law, 
And men who hasten to reform must learn 
That never yet was state without a flaw. 

"All worship sacred is and must be free, 
All must respect the creeds to others dear; 
Should one church arrogate supremacy 
Then would return to earth the reign of fear. 
Free faith and thought cannot for long endure 
If bound by any church or cult or school, 
But harmony of life you may ensure 
By strict adherence to the golden rule. 

"Another purpose that our footsteps led 
Perchance ye have forgot. So now recall — 
'Twas not alone for conscience' sake we fled. 
But also to escape corruption's pall. 

[66] 



The court with lewd lasciviousness did reek, 
The wic. ed flourished and the righteous wept, 
Gay pleasure was the goal the world did seek. 
And o'er our souls a wave of horror swept. 

"In protest stern we lived the simple life. 
And strong in faith the wilderness we sought, 
To plant the seeds of truth and justice rife 
With hope for future generations fraught. 
When here we breathed the purer atmosphere 
And saw the vastness of God's wondrous plan, 
In spite of sacrifice and struggle drear, 
We gloried that He chose us to serve man. 

**To you the grand inheritance we left 

To follow right and make your lives sublime, 

That here the oppressed and poor, of hope bereft. 

Might refuge seek as we of earlier time. 

Hold fast to your ideals of liberty 

And make your country great by right, not might. 

With equal justice and fraternity 

Move onward in the path of freedom's light." 

Adown another century we speed 
Thy word to coming generations vast. 
May they uphold thy standards high and pure 
And thus regenerate the world at last. 

December, 1920 

[67] 



THE WORLD'S DESIRE 

What is the world's desire? 
At times the cry is all for peace, — 
Then suddenly comes war. 
All nations and all men must answer true. 
Whate'er they all in strong sincerity 
Do really wish, will come 
As surely as night follows day. 
But now, as in the ages past, 
The differing aims and hopes 
Do lead to strife. 

In ancient times kings wished for land and power. 

And people oft unwillingly 

To war were driven 

To satisfy these mad desires. 

In Roman days it was the people 

That clamored loud for conquest of the world 

That they might live in luxury and ease. 

'Twas war that gave Lucullus wealth 

To please his pampered appetite. 

'Twas war gave Caesar fame and power 

And on Augustus placed the imperial crown. 

Then came the Roman peace — 
Not peace but slavery — 
When subject nations bowed 
To will of Rome. 

Yet spread of ancient learning and of art 
The truth concealed. 

[68] 



The Roman law did rule 

But justice failed. 

And then the slothful peace gave way to war. 

Again and yet again doth history repeat itself. 

Commercial gain and land domain, 

The lure of vast imperial power 

Lead to the well worn paths of war, 

And ever will ujitil mankind 

Wants naught but right. 

The animals on each other prey 

And that is Nature's law. 

If she to creature man 

Gave instincts like the animals. 

If she doth ruin spread, 

What can he do but fight 

And follow out her laws? 

Perhaps it is God's plan 

That struggle to exist essential is, 

And strength and growth come only by contest. 

But hark! God's message rings again 

Of peace on earth, good will to men. 

Who knows what's right and best? 

O fair and pleasant are the paths of peace. 
And ease and comfort on 
To progress lead. And then to what? 
Is life but to enjoy. 
Or will peace bring decay 

[69] 



If it too long exists? 
Can war be ever good? 
Of times it doth bring forth 
Man's strongest traits, 
And effort creates strength. 

Does Nature bid to strife? 

Today in mood beneficent 

She scatters peace and plenty, 

But tomorrow frowns and the earth trembles. 

Then must man fight 

To flee the volcanoes, 

To save the crops. 

To dam the rivers, — 

Repair the damage that she doth create. 

Does God control this mortal sphere 

Or can man half decide its fate? 

If not, what use to scheme and plan? 

Why not accept and drift, and yield 

To whate'er comes, — and grant it right? 

Thus ever move our thoughts 

In endless circles round, 

And chaos follows reason. 

No, though God's agent man may be. 

Yet free to work for good or ill 

And make the one or other reign supreme. 

For ages past some master-minds 
Have planned for peace. 
Suggested ways and means. 
Yet wars recurred. 

[70] 



Today it seems the age is ripe 
For some vast scheme of universal law 
That shall subdue the martial trend, 
Create a grand, terrestrial harmony, — 
If all the world unite in this desire. 

This much is sure. 
No union based on words alone 
Can e'er endure. 

No covenant by this generation signed 
Can dominate the next 
Unless on firm foundations laid. 
So acts must follow words. 
And in the daily walks of life 
Each man must have respect 
To others rights as to his own, 
Each nation, too, the same. 
Nor race, nor caste, nor creed, 
Must scorn what is not his. 
Existence must depend on work. 
And none must fatten on his brother's toil. 

Think not, ye worldly wise, 

That peace can come in any other way. 

When all do tread the simple paths 

Of justice and of truth. 

Then cometh the millenium. 

Does this the world desire? 



[71] 



ENVOY 

So now for good or ill I send these forth 

And time alone will prove to you their worth. 

But if in storm and stress of life, 

You pause in midst of mortal strife 

And heed the message from my inmost soul, 

The World, perchance, may once again be whole. 



[72] 



OCCASIONAL POEMS 



MY GARDEN 

My garden's a thing of beauty, 

A joy forever to me — 
And in the changing seasons 

What variety I see. 

In the spring there are delicate greens 
And purple lilacs the first to blow, 

While laden with glistening dewdrops 
The violets beneath do grow. 

Soon gorgeous red peonies 

A blaze of color show; 
While purple and gold of the fleur-de-lis 

Make my garden all aglow. 

And June is the month of roses. 
Cream white and deep, dark red; 

As the breeze gently kisses the petals, 
A delicious fragrance they shed. 

Tall, straight, like a row of sentinels 
The hollyhocks stand on guard; 

While the bergamot red and pungent 
Shows in patches through the yard. 

A cluster of these with larkspur blue, 
And wigelia white in a spray. 

Make a beautiful flag to proudly wave 
Wlien July brings its glorious day. 
[75] 



Through the long, hot days of summer, 
Mignonette so rich and sweet. 

Snap dragon, nasturtiums, and hlies 
Spread luxuriantly at my feet. 

As the autumn approaches slowly, 
Then blossom chrysanthemums fair; 

Golden glow and the purple aster 
Mingle with dahlias rare. 

Gleaming gold of calendula 

And red salvia brighten the fall. 

When the snow white mass of boltonia 
Stands high against the wall. 

All these and many more blossoms 

Grow in my garden fair. 
They brighten the passing days 

And perfume the ambient air. 

But half the joy of my garden 

Is in plucking the beautiful flowers 

To give to my friends less fortunate 
And gladden some weary hours. 

When the snow my garden covers, 

I count the days to spring. 
When the grass and flowers awake again 

And birds in their nests do sing. 



[76] 



THE MOCKING-BIRD 

My waking ear thy song doth greet, 

O lovely mocking-bird, 
In tones more joyous and more sweet 

Than I have ever heard. 

I hear thy wondrous singing, 

And look without to see 
Where thou art gayly swinging 

On the catalpa tree. 

So rollicking and free from care 

Thy laughing, twirling trills ! 
They swell and fill the listening air, — 

My heart with pleasure thrills. 

Thy liquid cadence sharply breaks! 

What has thy song disturbed? 
Rough, bickering note thy song now takes. 

And there's another bird. 

There flies the quarrelsome blue jay 

To drive thee from thy nest. 
Dost envy thee the rapturous lay 

That makes thy coming blest? 

His voiceless beauty lacks the power 

To fill my heart with joy, — 
He must forsake this bHssful bower 

And us no more annoy. 

[77] 



So sing and carol on, sweet sprite, 

In sunny, pretty weather, 
And we will soar on wings of light 

As bright birds of a feather. 

Though now for many and many a year 

His song I have not heard. 
Yet memory to my ravished ear 

Echoes the mocking-bird. 



[78] 



TO MARIE 

Dear maid, thy slow, sweet smile 

And charming way 
Do oft the weary hour beguile, 

And light the day. 

Responsive is thy face 

With knowledge bright, 

Thy answer comes with pleasing grace, 
And always right. 

As pass the years away, 

In memoi-y true 
A tender thought will always stay, 

My friend, of you. 



[79] 



MOUNT DESERT ISLAND 

111 name for such a beauteous spot 
Which once seen, ne'er will be forgot. 

Encircled by the blue-green sea 
The island rises fair and free. 

From surging waves thy cliffs defend, 
Girdling the coast from end to end. 

Along the shore the rocks invite 

To watch the seagulls flapping flight; 

To see the rushing waves break high, 
Fling glittering dew drops to the sky, — 

Or gently wash the rocks and throw 
The foaming spray in radiant bow; 

To scan the waters vast expanse 
Where sunbeams rest or gaily dance, 

Or dark clouds suddenly do form — 
Warning to flee before the storm ; 

To feel invigorating breezes blow 
And thrill with joy and heathful glow. 

O'er fir-crowned hills the shadows deep 
After the mid-day slowly creep. 

[80] 



And on the Heaven's clear blue screen 
Appear the varied hues of green. 

No arid stretches of dull sand, 

But fresh fields dot the pleasant land. 

Here flowers blossom gay and bright, 
Red hawkweed and the daisies white. 

Like sapphire neath the mountain crest 
A calm lake lies in peaceful rest. 

The treasures of this island fair 

Are Mother Earth's best jewels rare — 

Who finds not health and beauty here 
Must seek them far through many a year. 

When Sieur de Monts and Champlain bold 
Came to the land in days of old, 

They of thy beauty took no note, 
Or else forgot it when they wrote 

Upon the map thy strange misname — 
And dreamed not of thy future fame. 

O isle, that doth my heart entice, 
No Desert, but a Paradise. 



[81] 



SUMMER STORM 

Gray line of mist on land and sea, * . 

No sun in sight; 
But dimly a foreboding light, 

A portent of what is to be. 

No wind to even stir the waves, 

But threatening calm. 
Then bursts the storm in fierce alarm, — 

The sea the mountain laves. 

At times the lightning flash reveals 

A drifting sail. 
Borne on the wind a fearsome wail 

Dies in the thunder's crashing peals. 

And now the sun unto our sight 

Doth show his head. 
Glorious in flaming red — 

Then on the water sleeps the night. 



[82] 



igiBI, 



